Being late/early/on time

Question

We can say "I'm late" but how about "early"? Can we say "I am early?" "I am 5 minutes early?"

Canadian45 · Accepted Answer

blueblooded65We can say "I'm late" but how about "early"? Can we say "I am early? yes " "I am 5 minutes early?" yes

Blueblooded65 · Answer

Thanks.
And how about "I am in time"?

Canadian45 · Answer

blueblooded65Thanks.And how about "I am in time"?

You can say that, but you need some context.

Blueblooded65 · Answer

Would you please give an example in a context?

Mister Micawber · Answer

I am in time: my train has not yet left.

Canadian45 · Answer

Mister MicawberI am in time: my train has not yet left.

One can expand that sentence to make a more specific example that might give you additional insight into the meaning of 'in time'.
'I arrived at the station 8 minutes late. But because the train left 17 minutes late, I still was in time to take the train.'

explanation

I did not arrive at the station on time. But because the train was even later than I was, I still was in time to take the train.

on time = at or before the planned or scheduled time
in time = early enough

Being late/early/on time

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